Palm Desert, CA vs San Diego, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Palm Desert has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Palm Desert | San Diego | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 123 | 180 | Palm Desert |
| Housing | 141 ($1,202) | 244 ($1,556) | Palm Desert |
| Transportation | 105 ($3.50) | 104 ($3.50) | San Diego |
| Food & groceries | 106 ($435) | 140 ($574) | Palm Desert |
| Utilities | 121 ($254) | 172 ($439) | Palm Desert |
| Healthcare | 121 ($183) | 172 ($317) | Palm Desert |
| Median annual wage | 120 ($58,240) | 120 ($58,240) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Palm Desert, CA or San Diego, CA cheaper to live in?
Palm Desert, CA is cheaper overall by about 57 index points (Palm Desert, CA: 123, San Diego, CA: 180; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Palm Desert, CA vs San Diego, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $43,050/year in Palm Desert, CA and $63,000/year in San Diego, CA to cover basic living costs.